A Norwegian Air flight from Oslo faced an unusual delay during its approach to Molde Airport on Friday evening. The aircraft had to abort its landing at the last moment. Pilots executed what aviators call a go-around maneuver. They circled for another attempt before safely touching down.
The unexpected obstacle was an otter wandering on the runway. Airport officials confirmed the unusual wildlife encounter. Norwegian Air spokesperson Silje Glorvigen described the incident as highly unusual. Neither pilots nor air traffic controllers had experienced similar situations before, she said in a statement.
This incident highlights Norway's unique wildlife challenges for aviation operations. The country's extensive coastline and natural habitats frequently bring animals near airport facilities. Molde Airport sits along Norway's western fjords, where otters commonly inhabit coastal areas.
Norwegian aviation authorities maintain strict wildlife management protocols. Airports regularly monitor perimeter fences and conduct wildlife assessments. Yet occasional animal intrusions still occur across Nordic airports. Last year, reindeer caused similar disruptions at northern Norwegian airports.
What makes this case remarkable is the specific animal involved. Otters rarely venture onto active runways. Their presence suggests potential gaps in perimeter security or unusual animal behavior patterns. Airport officials will likely review security measures following this incident.
The flight delay lasted approximately 15 minutes during the additional circuit. All passengers arrived safely without further complications. Norwegian Air confirmed no other flights were affected by the brief runway closure.
Norway's aviation system handles numerous wildlife encounters annually. Moose, deer, and birds represent more common challenges. The country invests significantly in wildlife deterrence technology. This includes advanced fencing, radar systems, and trained response teams.
For international travelers, such incidents demonstrate Norway's commitment to safety over schedule. The pilot's decision to abort landing reflects standard safety protocols. Passengers experienced minimal inconvenience while avoiding potential disaster.
Local authorities have increased wildlife monitoring around Molde Airport following the incident. They work with environmental agencies to balance aviation safety with wildlife conservation. Norway's strict animal protection laws require careful handling of such situations.
The incident concluded without harm to the otter. Animal control specialists safely removed the animal from airport grounds. They released it into suitable habitat away from aviation operations.